Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3023, Elisha Dorr, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Dorr, Elisha
P. 3023
CONTENTS
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.

State of New York City and County of Albany
On this Nineteenth day of November one Thousand eight hundred and thirty five personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Justices now sitting Elisha Dorr a resident of the City of Albany in the County of Albany and State of New York aged seventy one years seven months and 23 days who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That according to the best of his knowledge and belief that sometime in the summer in the year 1779 a company of drafted Militia was raised in the town of East Haddam where he then resided under the Authority of the state of Connecticut for the term of six months that he was a member of said Company as a substitute for his Brother Joseph Dorr who is now dead that he was accepted and served as such the full term of six months that said company was raised for the defence of the coast upon Long Island Sound and that said company was stationed between Saybrook and New London in the town of Lyme on the sea board that Winslow had the command of said company for some time and then deserted and was succeeded in the command by John Brainard who continued as our Commander until the expiration of the time for which we were raised. we were then dismissed the service and returned to our homes. Who our superior officers were if any they not being with us I know not neither do I know of any persons now living who served with me except Jos Spencer who as I understand and have good reason to believe now lives in Salisbury County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut whose affidavit is herunto annexed and also that he has no documentary Evidence but agreeably to the suggestions of the War Department he annexed the following letter to the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut.
(Copy)
Sir
Albany July 12. 1835
In answer to my application to the Secretary of War to be placed on the pension role for a six months tour in the service of Connecticut he wished some further documentary proof of such service & referred me to you will you therefore have the goodness to furnish me with such proof for the purpose aforesaid. I served as a substitute for my Brother Joseph Dorr who is now dead in a company drafted in or about 1779 in East Haddam to protect the coast on Long Island Sound we were stationed in the town of Lyme and served the most & last of our time at Black Point in said town I have forgotten the name of the man to whom the command was assigned

As - Winslow took it in his place who deserted and John Brainard Succeeded him and continued our Commander until our dismissal who our Superior officers were if any we had I know not they not being with us I have a faint impression on my mind that some one at New London had the supervision of us but cannot say positively can and will you furnish me with the necessary proofs of such service and greatly oblige your most The Comptroller of the Obedient Servant State of Connecticut Elisha Dorr To which the following answer was returned (Copy)
State of Connecticut Comptrollers office
Hartford 2 Sept. 1822
Sir
I have devoted a good deal of time in searching for evidence in your Case but have not been able to obtain any thing satisfactory or definite In searching the records of the Council of Safety I find there were frequent orders concerning the guards at Lyme but among the names of the officers I have found in no instance that of Winslow or Brainard. In a majority of Instances no name whatever is mentioned and I am unable in any case to find a pay roll or records of the names of the soldiers it will therefore be impossible for me to furnish you a certificate from the information I now possess if hereafter in searching the records I should discover any Evidence that may be of service to you I will bear your name in remembrance and forward you a Certificate in conformity therewith At present I feel it would be improper to delay an answer to your last.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
Gideon Welles Compt
And He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State. Elisha Dorr
Sworn to and subscribed the day and Year aforesaid In Open Court J. G. Watson Clerk
We John N Campbell a Clergyman residing in the City and County of Albany and State of New York and Benjamin Knowles residing in the same place Hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Elisha Dorr who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy one years seven months and 23 days of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
J. N. Campbell B. Knowles
I was in open Court this 19th of November 1822 J. G. Watson Clerk

I was Born in the town of Lyme & State of Connecticut in the Year 1764. —
I have no record of my age. —
I lived in the town of East Haddam & State of Connecticut since the Revolution I have lived in the town of Chatham County of Columbia in the town of Florida County of Montgomery town of Stillwater County of Saratoga in the town of Hoosic County of Rensselaer and I now live in the City of Albany and County of Albany all in the State of New York. —
I was a substitute for my Brother Joseph Dorr. —
There were no regular officers with us neither was there any Continental or Militia Regiments with us the Company to which I belonged was drafted to protect the Coast we were stationed in the town of Lyme then County of New London and State of Connecticut. —
I have no recollection of ever receiving any discharge my impressions are that when our term of service expired that our Officers dismissed us and returned with us to our respective homes. —
I am known to his Excellency W m L. Marcy Hon. Ambrose Spencer Stephen Van Rensselaer Chancellor Walworth Chief Justice Savage who can testify to my character for veracity and the Hon ble John N. Campbell and Benjamin Knowlton to their belief of my services
And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogations prescribed by the War department, That the above named Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that J. N. Campbell who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in the city of Albany and that B. Knowlton who has also signed the same is a resident of the city of Albany and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
I John G. Waples Clerk of the Justice Court of the city of Albany do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Elisha Dorr for a pension

In testimony Whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said Court & subscribed my name this 19 th day of November 1835.
John G. Watson Clerk—

I Job Spencer of Salisbury in Litchfield County and State of Connecticut aged seventy four years do depose and say, that in the Month of May or June in the year 1779. a Company of soldiers was raised by drafting from the several militia Companies in the Town of East Haddam in the County of Middlesex in said State. under the Authority of the State of Connecticut for the purpose of Guarding the Coast upon Long Island Sound between the Towns of Saybrook and New London. This Company was drafted for the term of six months, and I was among others drafted as one of said Company, which was under the Command of Lieut. John Brainerd. who is now deceased. We entered immediately upon said Service and served out the said term of six months and were discharged in the month of December or January. During the principal part of this season the British Fleet lay in and about Gardner Bay or along that part of Long Island Sound opposite the Coast between Saybrook and New London, and our duty consisted in patrolling that part of the Coast and keeping watch of the motions of the enemy. and we were during the whole of said six months we were in active service and under strict military discipline. I have a perfect and distinct recollection that Mr. Elisha Dorr. then of said East Haddam and now of the City of Albany in the State of New York was a member of said Company during said season. He was drafted at the same time that I was and we went together to our place of rendezvous and at the expiration of the six months were discharged at the same time and returned together to our home at East Haddam. I have seen the said Dorr within about two years and know him to be the same person with whom I served as above stated, and further the deponent saith not Job Spencer
State of Connecticut Litchfield County. Pleasants 18 th July 1835 On the day and year above mentioned personally appeared Job Spencer the above named Deponent and subscribed the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath that the facts therein stated are true. And I further certify that I am well acquainted with said deponent and that he is a man of good character for truth and

credibly and is a credible witness
William M. Burrell Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut Litchfield County ss. March 13 th Feb. 1835
I W m P Burrell a Notary public in and for the County and State aforesaid do certify that William M Burrell Esq. before whom the foregoing deposition was taken is a justice of the Peace duly qualified to administer oaths and take depositions and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Notarial Seal this day and year above mentioned
W m P Burrell Notary Public for Litchfield County
No. 33166 Hilda Dorn

Job Spencer
Yrs Valentine Washington City D. P.

Elisha Dorn
N 9 1/2 82
El 4 Mr Valentine Jan 20 - 82

State of New York } County of Albany }
Edmund Dorr of the city & County of Albany being duly sworn according to law Deposeth that he is one of the children Elisha Dorr deceased late a resident of the city & County aforesaid. That said Elisha Dorr in his life time was an applicant for a pension and that he died on the Thirtieth day of April in the Year one thousand eight hundred and forty three That the application of said Dorr for a pension was made about the Year one thousand eight hundred & thirty four or five. And as this Deponent is about to renew the application for the pension supposed & believed to have been due his father Elisha Dorr aforesaid. he hereby constitutes & appoints Mr. Volentine of Albany N.Y. his Agent to prosecute said claim And the commission of pensions is hereby authorized and requested to permit said Volentine to examine the papers on file in the pension office which was filed by said Elisha Dorr at the time aforesaid.
Subscribed & sworn to before me } this Thirtieth day of January 1852 } John H. Williams } Notary Public }
Edmund Dorr
I certify that Edmund Dorr is the identical person above named & described Albany Jan. 13 th 1857. John H. Williams Notary Public

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873
3023
RECEIVED
P. O.
Elisha Dorr
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

New York - 33,166 Susp Elisha Dorr
let to Gov. Marcy July 31 '35 " Hon L. Cajo - Nov 24 - " Robt. H. Dorr, Mar 25 '39 to H. Ex. M. Van Buren, Pres. U.S. Nov. 10. 1840-
3023 3023
act 7 th June 1832

Jan 8. 1840.
Ohio
J. L. Edwards Esq. Pension Agent
Hon. C. Morris ARR

Mar 15.
Inver
Feb.
Dear James L. Edwards Borrow of Pensions
3 E. D. M.

Genl Land Office Massch 13 th 1834
Sir
I am not advised of any action had upon the application of Elisha Dorr for a Pension since its renewal. Perhaps it would not be in accordance with the rules & regulations of the Office to have any without further evidence, I now enclose the Secondary evidence required by the law, and which rebutt the presumptions you raise against his application; and proves conclusively that he was called out by Authority of the State because the witness swears that they were drafted out
Will you be pleased Sir to inform me of the effect of this evidence at an early day, as will be convenient and oblige. Yours Respectfully, Robert L Dorr
Hon James L Edwards Com d of Pensions

House of Reps January 7 th 1810
Dear Sir
I am requested to ascertain from you whether Elisha Dorr, now of Albany, is entitled to a pension, whose application I understand is on file in your Office. Enclosed you have an additional afft.
Very Respectfully
Calvary Morris
J. L. Edwards Esq

19
Mr. Charles Dorr Albany New York
27/10/48

State of Connecticut Comptroller Office Hartford 2 Sept 1835
Sir I have devoted a good deal of time in searching for evidence in your case, but have not been able to obtain anything satisfactory or definite. In searching the records of the Council of Safety, I find there are frequent orders concerning the guard at Lyons; but among the names of the officers, I have found in an instance, those of Winslow or Brainerd. In a majority of instances no name whatever is mentioned, and I am unable in any case to find a pay-roll, or record of the names of the soldiers. It will therefore be impossible for me to furnish you a certificate from the informa- tion I now possess. If, hereafter, in searching the records, I should discover any evidence that may  might be of service to you, I will bear you in mind in remembering, and forward you a certificate in conformity therewith. At present I feel it would be improper to delay an answer to your letter.
Very Respectfully,
Your Obedt Servt
Gideon Welles Compt

Extract from Mr. Edwards Report to the secretary of war Mr. Dorr alleges that he was born in 1764 and in 1779 took the place of his brother Joseph in a company commanded first by Capt. Winslow and afterwards by Capt. Brainard as a guard in the town where he resided on Long Island Sound for six months. There has been until lately considerable difficulty in distinguishing between the organised vigilance which the inhabitants of exposed positions on the sea board maintained for their domestic security and the actual service of coast guards raised by special acts for similar purposes objects and subjected to the duties and obligations of soldiers. But it is believed that the pay tables of Connecticut furnish the most satisfactory means of ascertaining the proper distinction. As these pay tables do not shew a payment to the corps described or officers designated by the claimant the presumption that their service was not recognised as military by Connecticut is not easily obviated. The age of the claimant also strengthens that presumption. He reporting hostile approaches but could scarcely have been deemed sufficiently capable of armsbearing as to authorise his enlistment as a soldier. Unless therefore he can shew from the records the service of Capt. Brainard and that it amounted to at least six months it is deemed that his case is not embraced by the provisions of the Act of 7 June 1832 33
To which Mr Dorr objects, as not stating truly the facts disclosed in his application. When he entered the service, he resided in the town of East-Headdam on the Connecticut River and not in Syms on Long Island Sound as alleged by Mr Edwards, and consequently, was not exposed to the marauding parties of the British, which fact rebuts the presumption he raised of his vigilance character. Mr Dorr's age is another objection, to which he replies, that he was in his sixteenth year. At sixteen all males were enrolled for military duty, unless exempt by law. Again the letter of the Comp-troller of Connecticut accompanying my application, proves that the guard at Syms, was known and recognised by the authorities of Connecticut as subject to their supervision, or why notice their existence at all. That letter also proves the careful manner in which the records at that day were kept.

These reasons together with others, which might be brought to the notice of Mr. Edwards, it is hoped will be sufficient to remove his objections to my application -
John Gregory Richard Van der Waal Van der Waal
  Grains  $ 1 --    Flour  1.50    Oil  62 1/2    Cand  50    —  3.62 1/2    —  13.87 1/2    —  15.83    —  41.25    Shoes  4.50    Mr.  $ 42.08 1/2     5.00     $ 47.08 1/2  
Van Kleek Mr. J. J. Van Kleek Pres. T. July 12/10
Memorandum of my application

June 26th 1891.
Mr James L. Edwards Commission of Pensions
NY. Charles Dorr Bolsa Church Street Boston & New York 32

General Land Office Jan'y 7 1839
Sir
Permit me to call your attention to your decision upon the application of Elisha Dorr of Albany for a pension under the act of June 1832, for a few moments. There appear to be several points which hitherto overlooked and which if properly appreciated and weighed in accordance with the previous practice and regulations of the Office will present the case in a very different light. Far be it from me however to say what rules the Com shall adopt, or what evidence required. I would merely give the exceptions taken to the decision by my Uncle and my own views of the case which I insist are in accordance with the prescribed regulations of the Office and the law of 1832, and shall then leave the subject for the action of the Com which I hope will be favorable because I believe the application to be just.
1 st The claimant excepts to the presumption raised against him for want of record evidence as such a presumption only attaches in the case of regular troops, of the State troops of Virginia, and the Militia of New Hampshire according to the printed interpretation of the law by the Com.
2 d Admitting the claimant under obligations to produce record evidence he excepts also to the presumption raised agst him in consequence of his infancy, because he expressly states that he served as a substitute for his brother Joseph who was drafted.
3 d His papers do not state as the decision represents (unless there is an error) the services for which he claims a pension were performed in the town where he resided.
4 th Summing up all these objections urged agst his claim the conclusion to which the Com arrives is, that record evidence of the

organization of the company to which he belonged by State Authority is indispensable. As the Comptroller of the State of Conn. has certified that there is no such evidences befound but that this company had been often spoken of in State papers, and as the claimant does not pretend to have belonged to the Regular troops; to the State troops of Virginia or the Militia of New Hampshire I would very respectfully enquire if his case is not embraced in the 2 nd Rule of the printed regulations of the Pension Office. If this be so I can see no reason why it should not what is the next best evidence the Com ee will require me to produce in support of his application or to show that the company to which he belonged was called out by authority of the State of Conn.? Shall I take the words of the printed regulations? The conclusion permits me to say that I feel confident that this case has been entrusted to the decision of some clerk of Pension Office who has not given it that attention it deserves and that the Com ee has reviewed it too hastily to determine its merits I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully J. Mobbett Robert L. Dorr
Hon. S. L. Edwards Com ee of Pensions Washington City

State of Connecticut } ss. County of Litchfield }
On this 21. st day of March 1830 personally appeared before me Samuel Church a Judge of the Superior Court of the said State of Connecticut. Elisha Thornton who is personally known to me and who resides in the Town of Salisbury in the County and State aforesaid, and made solemn oaths before me (which Oaths I administered to him in due form of law), to the following facts That is to say: that in the Summer of the Year 1779 according to my best recollection and belief, I served as a Guard on the Connecticut Coast in the town of Lyme and other places along the Shore between Connecticut River and New London, in a company of Connecticut Militia commanded for a part of the time by Lieut. Winslow and for the remainder of the time by Capt. Prainard. The Company in which I served was a Company of drafted men, drafted from the Militia. I served during the term of six months and was discharged as I believe on the last day of December 1779. In the Company in which I served there was a Soldier by the name of Elisha

City of Albany in the State of New York
Sworn and subscribed before
Elisha for Thornton mark
Mr. Samuel Hunt Judge of the Superior Court.

Power of Attorney:
Know all men by these presents that I Elisha Dorr of the County of Albany do hereby constitute and appoint Chas C. Tucker Esq. of Washington City D.C. my true & lawful Agent and Attorney to prosecute the Claim of Elisha Dorr, deceased for any Amount of Revolutionary Pension or increase of Pension that may be due under the provisions of the Act of June 7 th 1832 or any other Act or Resolution of Congress And I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation to said Claim on file in the Departments at Washington City or elsewhere to file additional evidence or arguments & to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; And to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Herby ratifying & confirming all that my said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises.
Witness my hand & seal this 19 th day of January 1855.
Elisha Dorr
In presence of Thos Paddock State of New York Albany City of County ss.
In this 19 th day of January 1855 before me a Commissioner of Deeds in & for the City of Albany County and State aforesaid personally appeared Elisha Dorr, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act & deed for the purposes therein mentioned.
Thos Paddock Commissioner of Deeds City of Albany

State of New York ss Albany City of County
In this 19 th day of January 1855 before me the undersigned a Commissioner of Deeds in and for the County & State aforesaid personally appeared Elisha Dorr , a resident of said County and made oath according to the Law that he is the identical Elisha Dorr, who executed the foregoing Power of Attorney & that he is directly interested in said Claim & makes this Affidavit to be filed with such additi- onal evidence or arguments as my said Attorney may use in prosecuting said Claim
Sworn to & subscribed before me the day & year above written Wm Paddock Conwy Seeds City of Albany.
Elisha Dorr
State of New York, City and County of Albany, Clerk's Office, } ss
I, Robert Harper, Clerk of the said City and County, do hereby CERTIFY, that William Paddock , whose name is subscribed to the certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon was, at the time of taking such Proof or Acknowledgment, a Commissioner of Deeds in and for the city aforesaid, dwelling in the said city, and duly authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Commissioner, and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment is genuine; and that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New York.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, this 19 day of January 1855. Robert Harper Clerk.
Suspended Revry. Pension Claim Act of June 7. 1832.
Elisha Dorr New York
Power of Attorney to examine Claim
Chas. Tucker Atty Present